Residents Air Gripes, Solutions To Water Problem

DELAND — Complaints of foul smells and foul water dominated the DeLand City Commission meeting Monday night, resulting in a variety of suggestions for possible solutions.

The first complaint was aired by 11 residents of the Blue Lake Heights subdivision who signed a petition asking the city's immediate attention to their water problems. The petition stated that the water in the east DeLand neighborhood contains rust bacteria, smells like rotten eggs and looks like ''black, greasy scum.'' Residents added that they buy a minimum of two gallons of water a day, rather than use the piped water for cooking and drinking.

City officials responded by proposing to extend an 8-inch water main along a section of East Winnimissett, install a 12-inch water main along South Blue Lake Avenue and install a fire hydrant at East Hubbard and Blue Lake Terrace. Officials estimated the cost of the additional lines and hydrant would be $15,000, which would come from city impact fees. The commission unanimously approved the request.

Veronica Jones, a resident of North McDonald Avenue and Henson Avenue, complained of similar water problems. The commission referred her complaint to city officials.

''I think both those areas are on the ends of the water line,'' said city engineer Larry Littlefield after the meeting. ''The odor comes from the non- circulation of water.''

Commissioner Willie Durant said several people have contacted him about the strong odor emitting from the sewer lift station near Walts and Garfield. City officials said they plan to inject a variety of chemicals into the sewage that they hope will cut the smell.

In other business, council approved changing the starting time for the commission meeting from 7:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and city attorney Charles Cino said his resignation would become effective sometime after Feb. 1.